questionable

American  

[kwes-chuh-nuh-buhl] / ˈkwɛs tʃə nə bəl /

adjective

1. of doubtful propriety, honesty, morality, respectability, etc..

   questionable activities; in questionable taste.

   Antonyms:

   certain

2. open to question or dispute; doubtful or uncertain.

   a statement of questionable accuracy.

   Synonyms:

   dubious, dubitable, controvertible, disputable, debatable

3. open to question as to being of the nature or value suggested.

   a questionable privilege.

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questionable British  

/ ˈkwɛstʃənəbəl /

adjective

1. (esp of a person's morality or honesty) admitting of some doubt; dubious

2. of disputable value or authority

   a questionable text

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Other Word Forms

• questionability noun
• questionableness noun
• questionably adverb

Etymology

Origin of questionable

First recorded in 1580–90; question + -able

Example Sentences

Now 41, the league’s new leader in regular-season and playoff wins was questionable to play in his second game in as many nights while managing left foot arthritis.

From Los Angeles Times

Rao had stopped friends from falling for scams and advised clients against questionable financial dealings.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Like certain communities are still a bit questionable about it, but it's definitely got better," said Kamara.

From BBC

This is why comparing social media to tobacco is questionable: The scientific consensus on smoking’s harms is unanimous and no one claims smoking has benefits.

From The Wall Street Journal

“A prompt reopening of the Strait of Hormuz remains questionable as will the volume of tanker traffic capable of proceeding through the strait in the coming weeks.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• ambiguous
• arguable
• controversial
• debatable
• dubious
• problematic
• suspicious
• unproven
• vague